Undersigned. Same thoughts.
PlayStation Account created: July 16, 2017 (MR22)
PC Account created: Dec. 12, 2017 (LR1)
Stupid Switch copy from PC Account created: Nov. 20, 2018 (Copy of PC when it was at MR21)
If only we were able to accurately know the future in which you would create a "merge account" system, but not allow those of us who took up the ONETIMEOFFERACTNOW!!!11 (for a Switch copy) to merge the unrelated two accounts created before.
I agree, a technical limitation (or even limitation because of an agreement with Nintendo) wouldn't be nearly so maddening. From what was written above, this was a decision DE made. Allowing me (and others in this situation) to merge my PS and PC account would not merge any duplicated/unearned rewards.
Edit:
I also want to mention how saying "linking" is an option is a slap in the face to us. These INDEPENDENTLY created accounts both have thousands of hours, and have had real money spent on them in the course of their 7 year lifespans. To say, "sure, but you can overwrite the one account with another" is an option is honestly ridiculous. Why would anyone throw away the time and money spent on EITHER account by willingly overwriting one. Clueless and/or heartless, DE.